SMITH, Mary Alice (Crego) 1856-1944

SMITH, CREGO, FONDA, LEACH, HUTCHINS

Posted By: Diane Scott (email)
Date: 4/8/2010 at 12:18:15

#1:

MRS. JAMES A. SMITH
WIDOW OF LATE
SENATOR DIES

Mrs. James Smith Was
1st Osage PEO Member

OSAGE, IOWA — Mary Alice Crego Smith 88, wife of the late Senator James A. Smith, died Monday at her home in Osage.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., at the home. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Service will be in charge of the Rev. Stiles Lessly.

Mary Alice Crego was born at Constantine, Michigan. At the age of 12 she came to Osage to reside with her sister, Mrs. E. S. Fonda, with whom she made her home until her marriage in 1874 to James Albert Smith. He died on January 12, 1918.

The late Senator James A. Smith was the founder of the James A. Smith Lumber Yard with offices and yards in northern Iowa southwestern Minnesota, and the Dakotas, and manager of the Royal Lumber company. He assisted in the organization of the Farmers National bank.

Mrs. Smith was the first initiated member of the Osage P. E. O., and for many years served as worthy matron of Eastern Star, O. E. S., and a staunch member of the Osage Congregational Church.

Surviving are five sons: Fred Crego Smith and Leland A. Smith, Osage; Richard J. Smith, Beverly Hills, California; Merrill G. Smith Charles City, and Lloyd G. Smith, Spirit Lake, and one daughter, Mrs. Robert L. Leach, Chicago.

[Mason City Globe Gazette, Tuesday, October 17, 1944]

(Note: She as the wife of Senator James Albert Smith, 1857-1918)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#2:

Death Comes To
Mrs. Jas. A. Smith

On Sunday afternoon, October 16, 1944, Mrs. Jas. A. Smith slipped quietly and peacefully from this life to the life beyond. If she could have chosed a time to go, she might have chosen this season of the year, for she loved it. She loved October with its Indian summer, its beautiful trees and its beds of leaves. She sat many hours each day, when well looking out of the window at the changing foliage and the many beauties of nature.

Mary Alice Crego was the daughter of Rulef and Charlotte Ann (Hutchins) Crego. She was born June 12th, 1856, at Constantine, Michigan, and passed away October 15th at her home in Osage, Iowa, following a brief hilliness. She came to Osage at the age of twelve with her mother who was then a widow, to live with her sister, Mrs. E. S. Fonda and family. She attended Public School and the Cedar Valley Seminary where she was very popular. Her vivacious personality won her many friends.

On August 12, 1874, she was married to James Albert Smith. Mr. Smith later was the organizer of the Jason A. Smith Lumber Company with yards in Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota. He was an Iowa State Senator for many years. Mrs. Smith entered into his business and political life for his sake, but her whole life was wrapped up in her children and her home.

Mrs. Smith united with the Osage Congregational Church April 1st, 1976, and at the time of her death was the oldest living member. She was a life member of the Congregational Missionary Association. In the early years of the church Mr. and Mrs. Smith gave freely of their time, their talents and their finances. Perhaps the most conspicuous was their church attendance. During all those early years Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their 7 children almost never missed a Sunday service. The older members of the church can remember the inspiration of seeing this family file down the aisle and take their seats every Sunday.

Mrs. Smith was invited to be a Charter Member of P. E. O., but for some reason was not able to attend its organization meeting, March 3rd, 1896, and so became the first initiate. She was initiated at their meeting a month later, April 10th. The Charter Members were her special friends and companions.

She was a Charter member of the Osage Chapter of Eastern Star and for four years, 1901 through 1904 served as Worthy Matron.

While she was interested in these outside activities her one passion was for her home and family.

Mr. Smith died January 12th, 1918, and September 14th, 1922, she was married to Warner L. Knowlton. Mr. Knowlton died May 13th, 1931, and Mrs. Smith was left alone once more. She was lonely and as the years passed, she more and more turned to her children and depended upon them. She would have loved to have had them all with her again, as they had been in their youth. She was very proud of her grandchildren and included in her affection her nieces and nephews. Her brother, Frank Crego, spent his last years with her, passing away about a year ago.

Mrs. Smith is survived by five sons and a daughter. They are: Fred C. and Leland A. of Osage, Mrs. Robert L. Leach, Chicago, Lloyd C. of Spirit Lake, Richard J. of Beverly Hills, California, and Merrill G. of Charles City, Iowa. One son, Stanley R., passed away on June 9th, 1942.

Funeral service was conducted October 18, 1944, at the home, her pastor, Reverend Stiles Lessley officiated. Burial in Osage Cemetery.

[Mitchell County Press, Osage Library, Authored by Mrs. E. J. Scofield, no date]

(Credit: SB)

Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen